Classical Greece and Santorini – 11 days / 10 nights

Classical Greece and Santorini tour is a well balanced tour for those who want to see the major sites of classical Greece and the world famous island of Santorini.

Upon landing in Athens you will be immediately be exposed to the ancient and the preset, the highlight being the Acropolis and its new museum. A time span of thousands of years. Your will then be toured around the Peloponnesos which has been inhabited since prehistoric times. You will visit Epidarus with its one of a kind acoustics, Nafplio the first capital of contemporary Greece, Olympia the ancient home of the Olympic Games and then over the Rio – Antirio bridge, which is one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type, to the picturesque Nafpaktos and then to Delphi. You will visit the Archaeological site and the Museum of Delphi. No words can describe the experience. Just before you go back to Athens for your boat trip to Santorini is your visit of Thermopylae (“The Hot Gates”), the place that the battle of Thermopylae took place, which was turned into a movie called “300”.

Having consumed all this you need to relax, enjoy and take in the very best of what nature has to give on the world famous island of Santorini. No picture can make justice, you have to see it on your own.

The tour end by going back to Athens and putting you on your plane for your trip back to your home with a great experience of classical Greece and Santorini.

DAY 1: ATHENS

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of day at leisure.

DAY 2: ATHENSGUIDED CITY TOUR

Morning sightseeing tour of Athens. The striking contrast between breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and modern elegant structures is what you will enjoy during your tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis,the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens. Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium(site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), the Tomb of the unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library. In contrast, conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis museum (closed on Monday’s), a marvel of architecture with a full exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens. Balance of day at leisure

DAY 3: ATHENS / OLYMPIA

This morning we depart for Corinth to start our 4-day Classical Tour. Stop at the Corinth Canal. Drive to Epidarus to visit its theater, known for its remarkable acoustics and then on to Nauplia (short stop). Continue on to Mycenae to visit the beehive tombs and the citadel. Then depart for Olympia through the central Peloponnese area, passing the cities of Tripolis and Megalopolis to arrive in Olympia for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: OLYMPIA / DELPHI

In the morning visit the ancient home of the Olympic Games and the fascinating Museum. Then drive via Patras and Rion, take the new bridge to Antirion to continue to Delphi through Nafpaktos. Arrive in Delphi in early evening. Dinner, overnight.

DAY 5: DELPHI / METEORA

This morning visit the Archaeological site and the Museum of Delphi. Walk the Sacred Way, visit the temple of Apollo, the theater and the stadium on the mount Parnassos and then on to the Museum housing some masterpieces of the Greek sculpture such as the famous bronze statue of the “Charioteer”. Depart for Meteora. Drive through Lamia, Trikala and arrive in Kalambaka in early evening. Dinner, overnight.

DAY 6: METEORA / ATHENS

In the morning, visit the breathtaking site of Meteora. Visit of two Monasteries. After lunch drive to Athens via Thermopylae (short stop). Arrive in Athens in early evening. Overnight Athens.

DAY 7: ATHENS / SANTORINI

Early morning transfer to the port for ferry trip to Santorini. Arrival & transfer to your hotel.

DAY 8 & 9: SANTORINI

Days at leisure to enjoy the sun, the unforgettable view and the most romantic sunset in the world.

DAY 10: SANTORINI / ATHENS

Transfer to the port for your ferry trip to Athens. Arrival and transfer to your hotel in Athens.